Quiet game for Ravens linebacker Courtney Upshaw vs. Vikings

Aaron WilsonThe Baltimore Sun

It was a relatively quiet game for Ravens outside linebacker Courtney Upshaw against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday.

Although Upshaw got the majority of the defensive snaps at strong-side linebacker against during a 29-26 win with Elvis Dumervil sidelined with a bruised ankle, the increased playing time didn’t translate into a productive game.

Upshaw recorded just one tackle and a pass deflection in 60 defensive snaps (91 percent participation) and was flagged for unnecessary roughness for a late hit on Vikings quarterback Matt Cassel.

“I always wish I could do better,” said Upshaw, a 2012 second-round draft pick who has recorded 26 tackles and one sack this season. “I don't come out of a game thinking I played my best, it’s just the competitor in me."

As a rookie last season, Upshaw had 60 tackles, 1.5 sacks and a forced fumble. He's started 10 games this season, primarily playing in obvious running situations with Dumervil leading the Ravens with 9.5 sacks.

"I feel like I can do more with the pass rush and get more sacks and apply more pressure," Upshaw said. "We talk about that all the time. But we got the win and that's all that matters."